Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack

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Sadly, I was late to the CB1100 party. Although I was actively riding motorcycles when the CB1100 appeared in the United States, I was oblivious.

At the time, I owned and loved a Honda Cruiser which was indestructible, perfectly engineered, stylish, and a joy to ride. I never saw a CB1100 on the street and never had a reason to look for something to replace my 2005 Shadow.

But when I saw a 2103 CB1100 for the first time in a custom shop, I was hooked. Out with the cruiser and in with a naked bike. Heritage, engineering, performance, beauty, fantastic motor, and the list goes on.

In time, I found the 2017 CB1100EX I have documented in the Forum. I was able to source all of the OEM parts I wanted except one: a rear luggage rack. I assert the rack perfectly compliments the stock OEM setup aesthetically. Although I am not a tourer, it also has functional benefits for those weekend rides I cherish. Here is how I made it happen in case anyone else is looking to purchase and install a rear rack:

Step 1: I searched the largest used parts suppliers in the United States, Europe and Japan. No luck. I then setup an automated search on eBay. I eventually found a salvaged rear rack in Germany and had it shipped to the United States. It cost 1/3 of the retail price.

Step 2: I unpacked the luggage rack. The packing was suspect, but fortunately the rear racked arrived without any damage. I staged the everything I received. I was confused by the bolts, washers, spacers, and nuts the reseller sent with the rear rack.





Step 3: I downloaded the Rear Rack Installation Guide from the Internet. I did not have all the parts listed but I hoped I could cobble something together that would work:



Step 4: I removed the seat from my motorcycle and draped the gas tank and rear blinkers:



Step 5: I removed the front bolts holding the stock rear rail and installed the rear rack, angling it upward, tightening the bolts hand-tight so I could move the rear rack up and down:





Step 6: I then removed the rear bolts of the stock rear rail, lowered the rear rack, and installed the rear bolts for the rear rack, hand-tight:



Step 7: I used a level to check that the rack was even. Taking into account the slight slop of my garage floor, the rear rack was even:



Step 8: Using a torque wrench, I tightened the four bolts holding the rear rack to the frame. I turned each bolt one full rotation at a time until I heard those wonderful clicks. Before putting the seat back on the motorcycle, I checked all the lights:



Step 9: I put the seat back on the motorcycle and checked the profile with and without luggage:







Over the weekend, I am going to detail the rear rack and gently buff out the few, tiny scratches on the chrome. Life is good.

I hope you find time to ride this weekend. David